The prudent should be trying
A carpet-slippery life."
After these reflections, he said: "Well, Theodore, if you really mean it, lead the way. We will go together." "Friend Handsome," said Theodore, "I will take you there by an easy way and show you the resting-place. But you must spare my family. You must not eat any except those I point out."
"My dear fellow," said the snake, "you and I are now friends. Have no fear. I will do nothing but what you wish."
Then he came out of his hole, hugged the frog, and started off with him. So they came to the edge of the well, and the snake went in with the frog by way of the buckets on the water-wheel. Then Theodore settled the black snake in the hole and showed him the relatives. And he ate them all one after another. And lacking relatives, he made up to a few of the friends, and ate them, too, with much circumspection.
Then the snake said: "My dear fellow, I have disposed of your enemies. Please give me something to eat, for you brought me here."
"But, my dear fellow," said Theodore, "you have done what a friend should do. Pray return by way of the buckets."
"Friend Theodore," said Handsome, "you make a serious mistake. How can I go home? My hole was my fortress, and it is surely occupied by strangers.
